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By The Golden Cycling Tours Team
Hoi An Ancient Town is a place that captures the heart instantly. With its mustard-yellow merchant houses, silk lanterns swaying in the breeze, and the lazy flow of the Thu Bon River, it is arguably Vietnam's most atmospheric destination. But for many travelers, the real magic of Hoi An doesn't lie within the ticketed zone of the Old Quarter; it lies just beyond the city limits.
Surrounding this UNESCO World Heritage site is a tapestry of emerald rice paddies, water coconut palm forests, pristine beaches, and craft villages that have remained unchanged for centuries. And there is no better way to explore this landscape than on a bicycle.
Unlike the chaotic traffic of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An is a cyclist's dream. The terrain is predominantly flat, the roads are quiet, and the distances are perfect for half-day or full-day excursions. Whether you are a family looking for a gentle pedal to a vegetable garden or a fitness enthusiast wanting to conquer a longer loop to ancient ruins, Hoi An has a route for you.
In this ultimate guide, we break down the Top 5 Day-Trip Rides from Hoi An. We will cover the routes, the hidden stops, the best local snacks, and why seeing Hoi An from a saddle is the highlight of any Vietnam itinerary.
Before we dive into the specific routes, let's understand why the bicycle is the king of transport here.
Motorbikes are too fast; walking is too slow. A bicycle sets the perfect pace. It allows you to navigate the narrow dyke walls between rice fields where cars cannot go. It lets you stop instantly when you see a farmer herding ducks or a beautiful temple gate.
The geography of the Thu Bon River Delta is flat. You won't face grueling climbs unless you actively seek them out. This makes cycling accessible to everyone—from toddlers in child seats to seniors looking for a leisurely ride.
Hoi An is a feast for the senses. On a bike, you smell the mint and basil as you approach Tra Que; you feel the cooling breeze coming off the river; and you hear the rhythmic "clack-clack" of looms in the silk villages. You are not sealed behind glass; you are part of the environment.
Difficulty: Easy | Distance: ~10-15 km round trip | Best Time: Early Morning (7:00 AM) or Late Afternoon (4:00 PM)
This is the quintessential Hoi An ride. If you only have a few hours and want to see the iconic image of Vietnam—green fields and water buffalo—this is the route.
Head north out of the Ancient Town towards Hai Ba Trung Street, but quickly duck into the small laneways that run parallel to the main road. Within 10 minutes, the concrete gives way to dirt paths and dykes.
Tra Que Vegetable Village: This 300-year-old organic herb garden is famous throughout Vietnam. The farmers here use no chemical fertilizers; instead, they use algae harvested from the nearby lagoon.
Activity: Park your bike and walk the neat rows of lettuce, basil, coriander, and spring onions. You can often join a farmer to try watering the crops using the traditional shoulder yokes.
The Rice Paddies: Between the town and the vegetable village lies a sea of rice. Depending on the season, it will be a mirror-like flooded field (winter), a vibrant emerald green (spring), or a golden harvest yellow (summer).
Water Buffalo Sightings: This route is the best place to spot water buffalo cooling off in the mud.
While you can find Tra Que on a map, the path through the rice fields is a maze. Golden Cycling Tours takes you on the "Buffalo Trails"—narrow earthen paths that wind through the heart of the paddies, avoiding the dusty main roads entirely. We also arrange a private cooking class in the village using the herbs you just rode past.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Distance: ~15-25 km | Best Time: Morning
Just across the river from the bustling market lies a different world. Cam Kim Island feels like Vietnam 20 years ago. It is quiet, rural, and deeply traditional.
In the past, you had to take a ferry, but now the steel "Iron Bridge" (Cau Cam Kim) allows cyclists to cross easily. Once over the bridge, turn left or right and simply follow the river.
Kim Bong Carpentry Village: As soon as you cross the bridge, listen for the sound of chisels. This village is famous for its woodcarvers who built the ancient houses of Hoi An and the royal palaces in Hue. You can watch artisans carving intricate statues and furniture.
Mat Weaving Families: Deeper into the island, you will find families weaving sleeping mats from river reeds. It is a mesmerizing rhythmic process that requires two people working in perfect sync.
Duy Vinh Sleeping Mat Village: If you have the energy to ride further south, this area is stunningly beautiful with its sedge fields.
Cam Kim is a labyrinth of small paths. It is very easy to get lost (though locals will always point you back to the ferry). A guide from Golden Cycling Tours adds immense value here by acting as a translator. We introduce you to the grandfather carving wood or the grandmother making noodles, turning a sightseeing trip into a cultural exchange.
Difficulty: Challenging (due to distance/heat) | Distance: ~50-60 km round trip (or one way with van return) | Best Time: Sunrise departure
For the fitness-focused traveler, riding to My Son Sanctuary is the ultimate day trip. My Son is a cluster of abandoned and partially ruined Hindu temples constructed between the 4th and the 14th century by the Kings of Champa.
Leaving Hoi An, you cross the river and head west. The route takes you through rural districts that see almost no tourists. You pass brick kilns, eucalyptus forests, and vast stretches of countryside.
The Cham Ruins: Walking among the red brick towers, surrounded by jungle, feels like an Indiana Jones adventure. The site is often compared to Angkor Wat (though smaller), and seeing it after a long ride makes the experience even more rewarding.
Rural Market Towns: On the way, you pass through Nam Phuoc and other local towns where you can stop for a Ca Phe Sua Da (iced coffee) with the locals.
Riding 60km in the tropical heat can be grueling. Golden Cycling Tours offers a "Ride and Return" package. We cycle the scenic backroads to My Son in the cool morning air, explore the temples with a knowledgeable guide, and then—crucially—we load the bikes into our air-conditioned support van for the drive back. This saves your legs and lets you nap on the way home!
Difficulty: Easy | Distance: ~15 km | Best Time: Afternoon (finish at sunset)
This ride combines the countryside with the coast, perfect for water lovers.
Head east towards the ocean. Instead of taking the main Cua Dai road, weave through the Nipa Palm forests of Cam Thanh.
Bay Mau Coconut Forest: This is a unique ecosystem where the river meets the sea. The water coconut palms grow in dense thickets.
Activity: Swap your bike for a round basket boat (Thung Chai) for a 30-minute paddle through the mangrove tunnels. It is touristy, but undeniably fun.
An Bang Beach: End your ride at An Bang Beach. Unlike the eroded Cua Dai beach, An Bang is lively with beach bars and soft sand. Park your bike, grab a fresh coconut, and jump in the ocean.
Difficulty: Easy | Distance: ~10 km | Best Time: Anytime
Located about 3km west of the Ancient Town, Thanh Ha is a village made of clay.
Follow the Thu Bon River upstream. The path runs right along the riverbank, offering lovely views of the fishing boats and nets.
Pottery Making: Every house here is a workshop. You will see pottery wheels spinning and kilns firing. The villagers make everything from bricks and tiles to whistles and intricate vases.
Activity: Get your hands dirty! Most workshops will let you sit at the wheel and try to mold a bowl (it's harder than it looks).
Terracotta Park: A quirky museum displaying miniature models of famous world landmarks (like the Sydney Opera House and the Statue of Liberty) made entirely of red terracotta.
To ensure your day trip is smooth and safe, keep these tips in mind.
Central Vietnam gets hot. Really hot. From May to August, temperatures can hit 38°C (100°F).
Tip: Start your rides early (7:00 AM) or late (3:30 PM). Avoid the midday sun (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM).
Hydration: Drink water before you are thirsty. Sugarcane juice (Nuoc Mia) sold on the roadside is a great natural energy drink.
While you are on a bike, you are still visiting rural villages where people are conservative.
Tip: Wear breathable athletic gear, but bring a sarong or light shirt to cover your shoulders if you plan to enter a temple or a family home.
Most hotels offer "free bikes." These are usually heavy, single-speed city bikes with questionable brakes. They are fine for a 2km ride to dinner, but for a day trip, they will make you miserable.
Recommendation: Rent a proper mountain bike or hybrid bike with gears.
Golden Cycling Tours Fleet: We exclusively use high-quality Trek and Giant mountain bikes, maintained daily by professional mechanics. We also have E-bikes for those who want the breeze without the sweat!
Cycling burns calories, which means you have a free pass to eat everything.
Cao Lau: The signature dish of Hoi An. Thick noodles, smoky pork, crispy crackers, and fresh herbs. The authentic noodles must be made with water from the local Ba Le well.
Mi Quang: Turmeric-infused noodles with a small amount of intense broth, topped with shrimp, pork, quail eggs, and a rice cracker.
Banh Mi: Hoi An is famous for the world's best Banh Mi. Grab one from Banh Mi Phuong or Madam Khanh and strap it to your bike rack for a picnic in the rice fields.
Xi Ma (Black Sesame Soup): A unique, warm, sweet soup sold by vendors along the river.
You might be thinking, "Can't I just follow Google Maps?"
You can, but you will miss the best parts. Google Maps will send you down the shortest route, which is often the busy paved road with trucks.
Golden Cycling Tours offers a different experience:
Safety: We keep you on the backroads, away from traffic.
Storytelling: Our guides explain why the lantern is shaped that way, or how the farmer controls the water level.
Access: We have friendships with local families. We don't just look at the house; we are invited in for tea.
Support: Flat tire? Broken chain? Too tired? We handle the mechanics and logistics so you can just enjoy the ride.
Ready to explore beyond the yellow walls? Check out our half-day and full-day Hoi An cycling itineraries here: 👉 https://goldencyclingtours.com/
Q: Is traffic in Hoi An dangerous for cyclists? A: Inside the Ancient Town, motorized vehicles are banned during certain hours, making it very safe. In the countryside, traffic is light (mostly scooters). However, highway riding should be avoided.
Q: Do you have bikes for children? A: Yes! At Golden Cycling Tours, we have diverse frame sizes for kids, as well as high-quality child seats for toddlers and "tag-along" bikes.
Q: What if it rains? A: Hoi An tropical rain is usually warm. We provide high-quality ponchos. Riding in the rain through the rice fields can actually be incredibly atmospheric and cool!
Q: Do I need to be fit? A: For the countryside loops (Tra Que, Cam Kim), no. The terrain is flat and the pace is leisurely. For My Son, a moderate fitness level is recommended.
"Highlight of our Vietnam Trip" "We did the Cam Kim Island tour with Golden Cycling Tours. It was like stepping back in time. No tourists, just local life. Our guide, Khoa, was amazing with our two kids." — The Roberts Family, UK ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Great Bikes, Better Scenery" "I'm a serious cyclist so I was worried about the 'hotel bikes.' Golden Cycling Tours provided a top-notch Trek mountain bike. We did the My Son loop and it was fantastic. The van support back was a lifesaver." — Marc D., Canada ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Peaceful and Beautiful" "Cycling through the vegetable village at sunset was magical. The smell of the herbs is something I'll never forget. Highly recommend booking a guided tour to find the small paths." — Elena, Spain ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hoi An is a destination that reveals itself in layers. The first layer is the lantern-lit streets of the Old Town. But the deeper, more authentic layers are found out in the open air, pedaling past a water buffalo, waving at a boat builder, or watching the sun dip below the horizon over a sea of rice.
These 5 day-trip rides offer a perfect blend of culture, nature, and activity. They allow you to slow down and connect with the rhythm of Vietnam.
Don't just watch the scenery pass by from a bus window.
Book your Hoi An cycling adventure today: https://goldencyclingtours.com/
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